Question 1

Is flood insurance required for homes in Bismarck?

Accepted Answer

Flood insurance isn't legally required by the state, but if your home is in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone and you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. Even if you're not in a high-risk zone, the 2011 Missouri River flood proved that Bismarck homes can flood unexpectedly. Given that most Bismarck flood policies cost around $500 annually and the city offers a 15% CRS discount, it's worth getting a quote even if it's not mandatory for your property.

Question 2

Does home insurance cover frozen pipe damage in Bismarck?

Accepted Answer

Yes, standard home insurance policies cover frozen pipe damage, including water damage from burst pipes, as long as you took reasonable precautions to prevent it. This means maintaining heat in your home when you're away and properly insulating exposed pipes. If your insurer determines you were negligent—like leaving the heat off during a January cold snap—they can deny the claim. Burst pipe claims are common in Bismarck winters, so prevention is crucial.

Question 3

How much does home insurance cost in Bismarck compared to the rest of North Dakota?

Accepted Answer

Bismarck home insurance costs are roughly in line with or slightly below the state average. Most Bismarck homeowners pay between $1,750 and $2,600 annually, compared to the North Dakota state average of around $2,256 to $2,776. Bismarck's rates are about 3-10% lower than some other parts of the state, likely due to the city's investments in flood mitigation and emergency services infrastructure.

Question 4

What winter-specific coverage should Bismarck homeowners prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Beyond standard coverage, Bismarck homeowners should ensure their policy covers ice dam damage, frozen pipes, roof collapse from snow accumulation, and wind damage from blizzards. You should also verify that your coverage includes equipment breakdown for your furnace—a heating system failure during a North Dakota winter can lead to catastrophic pipe freezing. Consider adding service line coverage for underground water and sewer lines that can freeze or break in extreme cold.

Question 5

Will filing a claim increase my home insurance rates in Bismarck?

Accepted Answer

Yes, filing claims typically increases your premiums. In North Dakota, one claim adds an average of $356 to your annual premium, while two claims can add $1,110 per year. This increase usually lasts three to five years. For smaller damage amounts that are close to your deductible, it often makes financial sense to pay out of pocket rather than file a claim that will raise your rates for years.

Question 6

Are homes near the Missouri River more expensive to insure?

Accepted Answer

Your standard home insurance rate isn't dramatically affected by river proximity, but you'll definitely need separate flood insurance, which adds cost. With FEMA's 2022 flood map updates adding 650 Bismarck parcels to higher-risk zones, properties near the Missouri River now face mandatory flood insurance requirements if they have mortgages. The combination of standard home insurance plus flood coverage will increase your total annual insurance costs by roughly $500 or more depending on your specific flood zone and home elevation.

Insurance Agents in Bismarck, North Dakota (ND)

Insurance agencies serving Bismarck

A & M Insurance Agency

Bravera Insurance, Inc.

Insurance Agents in Bismarck, North Dakota (ND)

Insurance agencies serving Bismarck

A & M Insurance Agency

Bravera Insurance, Inc.

Gateway Insurance Agency

Kramer Agency

Missouri Valley Insurance, Inc.

Newman Long Term Care / Newman Financial Services, LLC

Insurance Guides for Bismarck

Home Insurance in Bismarck, North Dakota

Frequently asked questions